World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, performers and vibrant fans

8 minutes ago

Will Grant,BBC's Mexico, Central America and Cuba correspondent,

Kwasi Gyamfi Asieduand

Nardine Saad

Reuters Performers during the opening ceremony before the match

The 2026 World Cup has begun in Mexico City with an opening ceremony filled with colour, culture and a performance by global music star Shakira.

Thousands of fans arrived at the legendary Azteca stadium in Mexico City with a real sense of excitement and anticipation to watch the World Cup on their home turf for the first time in 40 years.

It's been a complicated build-up, from the renovations of the airport and Azteca stadium, to protests around the event, and the cartel violence seen in Mexico only months ago.

On Thursday, those issues appear to have been pushed to the side as football takes centre stage in Mexico.

Global superstar Shakira performs in the opening ceremony in Mexico City

Reuters Shakira performs with dancers — Global superstar Shakira performs in the opening ceremony in Mexico City

Javier Pérez came with his family for the opener and told the BBC that the excitement now outweighs any hassles experienced up to this point.

"We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it's a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful," he said.

"I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals! And then we'll see how far we can go!"

Javier Pérez and his family in front of the Azteca stadium

Will Grant / BBC Javier Pérez and his family, wearing Mexico jerseys as they stand in front of the Azteca stadium and give the thumbs up to the camera. — Javier Pérez and his family in front of the Azteca stadium

Getty Images Fireworks display during the Opening Ceremony ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico

Reuters Dancers in colourful traditional Mexican dresses perform at the opening ceremony.

Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside the US and Canada, with those North American teams hosting their own opening ceremonies on Friday.

Today, the focus is on Mexico's festivities. Ahead of the co-hosts match against South Africa, fans in the stadium were treated to musical performances from Shakira, Colombia's J Balvin, Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Latin music star Danny Ocean and Fher Olvera.

"Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico," a performer announced to start the tournament.

"Mexico receives you with smiles from our heart. We are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat, uniting generations. The trophy is not defined by one player or nation but by all."

Performers wore indigenous clothing, while others were dressed in all gold and held giant golden footballs above their heads.

A packed stadium of fans dressed in their own colourful outfits, many wearing Mexico's team colours.

Tyla sings the South African national anthem

Getty Images Tyla sings the South African national anthem during the FIFA World Cup 2026 — Tyla sings the South African national anthem

Reuters Mexico fans inside the stadium before the match

Tyla sings South African national anthem

Opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop Demon Hunters singer Ejae performed the tournament's official anthem DNA, which was officially released on Wednesday.

Mexican singer Fernández, who is the son of veteran crooner Vicente Fernández, sang the Mexican national anthem in unison with many of the 80,000 fans.

Grammy-winning South African star Tyla performed her nation's anthem.

Tyla, whose hits include the song Water and the Fifa song Game Time, will return to the World Cup stage on Friday to take part in the US opening ceremony in Los Angeles alongside Katy Perry, Future, Lisa and Anitta.

Fifa has tapped a bevy of global artists for the ceremonies, several of whom are featured on the 18-song Official Fifa World Cup 2026 Album.